It seemed that the opponents (1) had a motive for postponing the writing of the reply: they wanted time to prepare themselves, to consult the sources, to bring in any of their companions who had been absent, and to review the creed among themselves so that they might be able to level criticism and raise objections.

Accordingly, it was agreed that the discussion would be concluded on Friday, and we stood by that arrangement.

Allah then manifested, through the establishment of clear proof and the elucidation of the true path, that by which He honoured the People of the Sunnah and the Community ⦗82⦘ (2) and humiliated the People of innovation and misguidance, while many people still harboured (3) expectations about what might take place in the second session.

During those days they pondered the matter and reflected on the answers I had already given (4) to questions pertaining to doctrine—such as the Hamawiyyah issue concerning istiwaʾ (Divine rising over the Throne) and the report-based attributes—and other, similar matters.